Enhancing mobility: The benefits of the Lapidus procedure

The Lapidus procedure is designed to deal with severe cases of bunions or hallux valgus, alongside patient's who are also hypermobile.

Understanding the Lapidus procedure

The surgical procedure offers you targeted correction, and the surgical technique focuses on the realignment and fixation of your bones. The Lapidus procedure focuses primarily on correcting the misalignment of the first metatarsal bone, thus dealing with the root cause of the bunion. The surgery aims to stabilise the affected joint and to reduce the risk of recurrence. As part of realigning your bones, the surgeon performs an osteotomy whereby they cut and reposition the first metatarsal bone so that its alignment can be corrected. They might use plates and screws to secure the realigned bone.

Benefits of the Lapidus procedure

The most important benefits of the Lapidus procedure are structural correction, enhanced functionality, and pain relief with a better quality of life. In terms of structural correction, the procedure offers you long-term stability by dealing with the misalignment of the joint’s base reduces realignment of recurrence. When it comes to enhanced functionality, it helps with improved weight distribution and provides you with mobility and a better gait.

Recovery and rehabilitation

Following the Lapidus procedure, you will need to rest as much as possible. Your surgeon will provide you with a postoperative shoe and crutches. At approximately six weeks following surgery you will be provided with an aircast boot to mobilise in. High impact activities, such as running, can typically be carried out at three months following surgery, depending on your recovery.

Considerations and potential risks

As with all surgery, the Lapidus procedure does have risks. Such surgery might lead to potential complications such as infection, hardware-related issues, and nerve injury. It is important to contact your surgeon if you have a concern following your procedure.

Conclusion

The Lapidus procedure offers structural correction and enhanced functionality for severe bunions and patient's who are hypermobile.